H.R.838 - Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success Act; A PLUS Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.838, the A PLUS Act, allows states to submit a declaration of intent to the Secretary of Education to consolidate certain federal funds aimed at improving student academic achievement. This bill grants states greater flexibility in managing federal education funds, reducing administrative burdens, and ensuring accountability to the public. The Act defines key terms such as "accountability" and "declaration of intent" and outlines the process for states to apply for and amend their declarations.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the A PLUS Act would shift control over the expenditure of federal education funds from the federal government to individual states. This could lead to more tailored educational programs that better meet the specific needs of each state. However, it could also result in inconsistencies in educational standards and outcomes across different states.
Potential Benefits
- Increased state control over education funding, allowing for more tailored programs.
- Reduced administrative costs and compliance burdens, freeing up resources for direct educational improvements.
- Enhanced accountability to parents and taxpayers through state-level reporting on student progress.
- Potential for greater innovation in educational approaches at the state level.
- Flexibility for states to address specific educational challenges within their communities.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inconsistencies in educational standards and outcomes across states.
- Risk of reduced focus on disadvantaged students if states prioritize other areas.
- Possible supplanting of state education funding with federal funds, undermining the intent of the Act.
- Increased administrative burden at the state level to manage consolidated funds and ensure compliance.
- Potential for misuse or misallocation of funds due to reduced federal oversight.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. While education is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, which could support greater state control over education. However, the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) grants Congress the power to spend for the general welfare, which has historically been interpreted to allow federal involvement in education. The bill also needs to ensure compliance with the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to prevent discrimination.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).